“Treaty Articles” from Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan
Wilhelm Heine (1827-1885), Artist; P.S. Duval & Co., Lithographer
Published by Order of the Congress of the United States and A.O.P. Nicholson, Washington DC, 1856
Special Collections, King Library, Miami University, DS809.P47 v2
This appendix to Perry’s book reproduces a portion of the trade treaty signed in 1854 by the United States and Japan in English and Japanese. While the language of the treaty speaks of “peace and amity” between the two countries, it is clear that the treaty was written to favor American interests. Each article establishes privileges for American traders, giving them unprecedented rights and effectively ending Japan’s isolationist policies. While initially regarded as an unfair treaty, it eventually led to economic exchange that was lucrative for both nations.